Use of l-arginine in the treatment of hypertension and other vascular disorders

Abstract

A method for treating a high vascular resistance disorder in a mammal by administering to a mammalian organism in need of such treatment a sufficient amount of L-arginine or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to treat a high vascular resistance disorder. The L-arginine is typically administered in the range of about 1 mg to 1500 mg per day. High vascular resistance disorders include hypertension, primary or secondary vasospasm, angina pectoris, cerebral ischemia and preeclampsia. Also disclosed is a method for preventing or treating bronchial asthma in a mammal by administering to a mammalian organism in need of such prevention or treatment a sufficient amount of L-arginine to prevent or treat bronchial asthma.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method for treating a high vascular resistance disorder in a mammal, said method comprising administering to a mammalian organism in need of such treatment a sufficient amount of L-arginine or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to treat a high vascular resistance disorder. 
     
     
       2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the high vascular resistance disorder is hypertension. 
     
     
       3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the high vascular resistance disorder is primary or secondary vasospasm. 
     
     
       4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the high vascular resistance disorder is angina pectoris. 
     
     
       5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the high vascular resistance disorder is cerebral ischemia. 
     
     
       6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the high vascular resistance disorder is preeclampsia. 
     
     
       7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein L-arginine is present in an amount from about 1 mg to 1500 mg per day. 
     
     
       8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein L-arginine is present in an amount from about 10 mg to 400 mg per day. 
     
     
       9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein L-arginine is present along with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
       10. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein L-arginine is in the form of L-arginine hydrochloride. 
     
     
       11. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein L-arginine is adapted for oral administration. 
     
     
       12. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein L-arginine is formulated as a tablet or capsule. 
     
     
       13. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein L-arginine is in sustained release form. 
     
     
       14. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein L-arginine is in parenteral form. 
     
     
       15. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein L-arginine is suitable for intraperitoneal administration. 
     
     
       16. A method for treating hypertension in a mammal, said method comprising administering to a mammalian organism in need of such treatment about 1 mg to 1500 mg of L-arginine or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 
     
     
       17. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein L-arginine is suitable for oral administration. 
     
     
       18. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein L-arginine is suitable for parenteral administration. 
     
     
       19. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein L-arginine is in the form of L-arginine hydrochloride.